When we reviewed Relaj’s Pro water bottle last summer, we found that the fancy bottle delivered as promised: easy to drink from, easy to clean. The bottle and nozzle shapes work as intended, allowing for drinking without forcing the rider to take eyes from the trail (or road). The $20 (£12 plus duties) asking price was on the high side, however, and the internal ice stick did have trouble keeping up given the bottle’s uninsulated outer.

Most of the same parts are still here- just better.

Clearly hydration obsessives, Relaj has been back in touch to let us know that their quest to improve the bidon continues. The result, now seeking funding on Kickstarter, is the new Shape bottle. The internal ice stick has been set aside, and replacing the over-molded grips with a textured surface makes for a more consistent squeeze. So as to better fit compact frames, the Shape’s height has been reduced by 1/2in- though capacity is only down a smidge ( 23oz/700ml to 22oz/650ml). Finally, the top cap has been redesigned for increased beverage flow. Broadening the bottle’s appeal is a reduced retail price: two for $25 through Kickstarter (plus $10 international shipping for £21 plus duties per pair).

Yes, it is just a bottle, but the fact that the Relaj crew is so inspired to improve such a simple product is, in itself, an inspiration. With product development complete, Relaj is expecting to deliver Shape bottles to supporters by June, 2014.